JP2020037177A - Adjustable stroke device with cam - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a stroke mechanism for a random orbital machine, the mechanism allowing a user to adjust a stroke without special tools or disassembly of the machine.SOLUTION: An adjustable stroke adjustment mechanism has a housing with a central axis 227 and a wall defining a cavity. At least one counterweight 270 is movably disposed, at least partially, within the cavity. A workpiece mounting assembly 234 is disposed, at least partially, within the cavity. The mounting assembly has a workpiece attachment mechanism. A stroke adjustor couples the at least one counterweight with the mounting assembly. The stroke adjustor enables the counterweight and mounting assembly to move with respect to one another such that a distance between the counterweight and the mounting assembly may be variably adjusted which, in turn, variably adjusts a stroke radius of the workpiece attachment mechanism with respect to a central axis of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

<Cross reference of related applications>
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 724,889, filed Aug. 30, 2018. The entire disclosure content of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

<Field>
The present invention relates to adjustable orbital devices, including, but not limited to, polishers, buffing machines, sanders, and massagers.

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting the stroke of a random orbital machine, such as, but not limited to, a polisher, sander, and massage machine. This adjustability allows the user to define the stroke of the random orbital machine and adjust the stroke between a final maximum stroke setting and a minimum zero trajectory setting.

  Polishers and sanders are used routinely in the auto detailing and home building industries to correct paint or drywall defects and to apply polishes and waxes. The three main machines used are rotary buffing machines, random orbital machines, and dual action machines. Each tool has its own role, since the method of pad rotation is machine-specific and is used for different purposes.

  Rotary buffing machines are the fastest and most effective machines for controlling the removal of paint defects in a controlled manner and give good results. The drive units used in the rotary buffing machine are connected directly to the pads and are axially aligned with one another. To correct paint scratches, rotating buffing machines are commonly used to flatten the surface by sufficiently removing the paint around the scratch. However, removing the scratch requires a higher level of skill and machine control than the average enthusiast has. For this reason, rotary buffing machines are generally avoided by the average user because they tend to remove paint excessively and damage the finish by creating swirl marks or by scorching the paint. .

  To meet the needs of the average user, a random orbital machine with less control and less experience in operation was introduced. The random orbital machine uses a gearbox that employs two unique mechanisms for moving a pad attached to a backing plate. Unlike a rotating buffing machine, in a random orbital machine, the central axis of rotation of the backing plate and pad is offset from the drive axis of the machine. This offset is commonly called a "stroke". As a result, the backing plate and the pad make a circular motion around the drive shaft. Since the pad is mounted on the idle bearing, the pad simultaneously orbits randomly. This random turning is variable depending on the pressure applied to the pad and is not directly powered. The result is a glazing operation that does not scorch or cut the paint because it does not generate heat from the powered swirling motion. Therefore, the random orbital machine is much more secure and very unlikely to cause swirl marks or to scorch the paint.

  Like the random orbital machine, the dual action machine also has the center axis of rotation of the backing plate and pad offset from the drive axis. As a result of this stroke, the backing plate and pad make a circular motion around the drive shaft. However, in the case of a dual action machine, power for turning the pad is directly supplied.

  The essence of a random orbital machine is the stroke of the machine. The stroke is determined by the offset between the axis of the drive shaft and the axis of the backing plate. The longer the offset or stroke, the farther the rotation axis of the backing plate is from the axis of the drive shaft. Doubling the offset results in a stroke diameter. Thus, "stroke" is a term that specifies the diameter of the path along which the backing plate moves as the backing plate orbits the drive shaft.

  Most random orbital machines are small stroke machines. That is, the stroke length used is between about 6 mm to 12 mm. Small stroke machines limit pad movement to smaller, narrower trajectories. This results in a smoother operation. The small stroke machine is also easier to control because the backing plate orbits around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft in a narrower path. With less vibration and less movement, the machine is easier to hold because of the smoother operation.

  In large stroke machines, the trajectory of the pad and backing plate about the drive axis is larger, so that the same revolutions per minute (RPM) increase the trajectory per minute (OPM) of the backing plate movement. Larger strokes also increase pad movement, thus facilitating spread of the polish and processing a larger surface area. Larger strokes can correct scratches and paint flaws because the cutting action into the paint is greater. Small stroke machines generally only polish the paint. Since small stroke machines do not cut into the paint, surface defects cannot be removed.

  One way to address the shortcomings of small strokes has been to increase the RPM of the machine. This increases the number of revolutions of the motor, but the stroke of the machine remains the same. There are also life issues associated with increased motor RPM and pad OPM. Increasing the RPM increases the load on the motor, and increasing the OPM causes the pads to burn more quickly.

  In short, both long stroke machines and short stroke machines have their respective roles in the industry. Therefore, what is needed is a machine that can be adjusted by the user without special tools or without disassembling the machine. Finally, what is needed is a simple, simple and effective way to adjust the stroke of the machine based on the needs of the user.

  According to the present disclosure, an adjustable stroke mechanism for a random orbital machine includes a housing having a wall surrounding a cavity and a central axis. At least one counterweight is movably disposed within the cavity. A mounting assembly is disposed within the cavity. The mounting assembly includes a work mounting mechanism. A stroke adjuster couples at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly. The stroke adjustment device can move the counterweight and the mounting assembly relative to each other such that the distance between the counterweight and the mounting assembly is variably adjusted. Therefore, the stroke radius of the work mounting mechanism with respect to the center axis of the housing can be variably adjusted. The stroke adjusting device includes an adjusting ring and a cam mechanism. The adjustment ring surrounds the wall of the housing. The adjustment ring is axially movable along a central axis. Further, the adjustment ring is rotatable about a central axis. The counterweight engages the cam mechanism to move the counterweight in response to movement of the cam. A mounting assembly, including a bearing carriage, engages the cam mechanism to move the mounting assembly in response to movement of the cam. The work mounting mechanism further includes a support axle. A support axle extends through the housing, through the bearing carriage, and into the counterweight. At least one bearing surrounds the support axle. The at least one bearing is disposed in an orifice of the bearing carriage. The cam mechanism further comprises at least one tab. The at least one tab engages a slot in the hub for locking the stroke adjustment device.

  According to a second embodiment, a method for adjusting the stroke of a random orbital machine includes coupling an adjustable stroke mechanism. An adjustable stroke mechanism for a random orbital machine includes a housing having a wall surrounding a cavity and a central axis. At least one counterweight is movably disposed within the cavity. A mounting assembly is disposed within the cavity. The mounting assembly includes a work mounting mechanism. A stroke adjuster couples at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly. The stroke adjustment device can move the counterweight and the mounting assembly relative to each other such that the distance between the counterweight and the mounting assembly is variably adjusted. Therefore, the stroke radius of the work mounting mechanism with respect to the center axis of the housing can be variably adjusted. The stroke adjustment device is moved axially with respect to the central axis of the housing. The stroke adjustment device rotates about a central axis of the housing. The counterweight and mounting assembly move relative to each other. The distance between the counterweight and the mounting assembly is variably adjusted. The stroke radius of the work mounting mechanism with respect to the center axis is variably adjusted.

  Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided in this disclosure. The description and specific examples in this summary are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

  The drawings described in this disclosure are for the purpose of illustrating only selected embodiments, rather than all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

It is a perspective view of a tool. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view of the cam plate of FIG. It is a perspective view of a tool. FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway perspective view of FIG. 8. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 8 in a first position. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 8 in a second position. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cam plate of FIG. 8. It is a bottom view of an adjustment device. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG.

  Next, several exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a tool having an adjustable stroke device is illustrated and is designated by the reference numeral 10. The tool 10 includes a motor 12, a power supply 14, and a switch 16 for starting and stopping the power supply. Although the power source is shown as a cord, it could be a rechargeable battery. The motor includes a pinion 18 located inside a tool head housing 20. Head housing 20 includes a cavity for receiving power transmission system 22. The power transmission system 22 includes a gear 24 meshing with the pinion 18 and a rotatable spindle 26. The stroke adjusting device 30 is rotatably connected to the spindle 26 and is mounted on the bottom of the head housing 20.

  The head housing 20 includes a push button 15. The push button 15 includes a pin 17 and a spring 19. Spring 19 biases push button 15 between the first and second positions. The pin 17 projects into a hole 25 of the gear 24. This provides a rotation stop for the drive train. When the pin 17 is in the hole 25, the stroke adjusting device 30 is at the index position.

  The stroke adjusting device 30 includes a drive hub 32, a work mounting assembly 34, a counterweight mechanism 36, and a stroke adjusting mechanism 38. The drive hub 32 includes a drive hub body 40 having a nipple 42 and a plurality of projecting legs 44. The nipple 42 extends from one side of the drive hub body 40, and the legs 44 extend from the opposite side. Nipple 42 is threaded to receive spindle 26. The hub plate 46 is attached to the legs 44 by threaded fasteners. The drive hub body 40 includes a plurality of slots 48 for coupling with the counterweight mechanism 36 and the work mounting assembly 34, as described below. Further, the hub plate 46 includes a plurality of slots 50 that couple with the counterweight mechanism 36. The hub plate 46 also includes an oval opening 52 for receiving a portion of the workpiece mounting assembly 34. Therefore, the rotation of the spindle 26 is applied to the drive hub 32 to drive the stroke adjusting device 30.

  The work mounting assembly 34 includes a carriage 54. The carriage includes a first carriage block 56 and a second carriage block 58. The carriage blocks 56, 58 include holes for receiving the bearings 60. A spindle 62 is passed through the bearing 60 and is held by the carriage 54. The spindle 62 is rotatable within the bearing 60. The spindle 62 also includes a threaded tip 64 that allows for attachment of a workpiece, such as a pad or the like, to the spindle 62. The spindle 62 passes through the opening 52 in the hub plate 46. First carriage block 56 includes a post 66 that passes through slot 48 of drive hub body 40. The post 66 is connected to the stroke adjusting mechanism 38, as will be described later.

  The counterweight mechanism 36 includes a frame 68 and a counterweight ring 70. The counterweight ring 70 is secured to the frame 68 by fasteners 72. Both the frame 68 and the counterweight ring 70 have a U-shape as a whole. Frame 68 includes a plurality of posts 74 that pass through channels 50 of hub plate 46. Therefore, the counterweight ring 70 is attached to the lower surface of the hub plate 46. The counterweight ring 70 also includes a slot or channel 76 through which the spindle 64 passes. The counterweight frame 68 further includes a post 78. The post 78 passes through the slot 48 of the drive hub body 40.

  Head housing 20 includes a second housing 132. The housing 132 includes a grip ring 134, a sleeve 136, a ring 138, and a band 140. The grip ring 134 is positioned around the sleeve 136 and is connected to the sleeve 136 via a fastener. Ring 138 is located inside sleeve 136. Band 140 is located outside sleeve 136. The band 140 includes a plurality of stepped tops 142 and valleys 144. The stepped top 142 and the valley 144 are positioned such that the top 142 receives a tab 146 that projects radially from the sleeve 136. Sleeve 136 further includes a plurality of tabs 148 on its inner peripheral surface for receiving a plurality of notches 150 in ring 138. Ring 138 further includes an upper apex 152 and a valley 154 that form a rectangular notch. A pusher ring plate 156 is positioned above the combination of grip 134, sleeve 136, ring 138, and band 140. Pusher plate 156 is biased by spring 157 so that as grip 134 is moved axially toward head housing 20, pusher plate 156 pushes it back to its original rest position.

  The cam plate 160 includes a pair of arcuate slots 162, 164. One slot 162 receives the carriage post 66 and the other arced slot 164 receives the counterweight frame post 78. Cam plate 160 includes radially projecting teeth 168 that secure cam plate 160 inside sleeve 136. In addition, the cam plate 160 includes at least one, and preferably, a plurality of tabs 170 on the bottom surface that engage the slots 172 of the cam body 40. The cam plate 160 is rotated by the grip 134 of the stroke adjusting mechanism. When this occurs, the posts 78, 66 move the counterweight mechanism 36 and the work mounting assembly 34 relative to each other. This rotational movement also causes the axis 63 of the spindle 62 to move toward or away from the central axis 27 of the drive spindle 26. Tab 170 is located within slot 172 of cam body 40. Thus, depending on the position of the spindle 62 with respect to the center axis 27, the tabs 172 will enter different slots 172 to allow for variable positioning of the spindle 62 with respect to the center axis 27.

  Further, a second grip 174 is positioned around the drive hub plate 46. Second grip 174 allows for manual rotation of drive hub 32. That is, the push button pin 17 can enter the hole 25 of the gear 24. When this occurs, the stroke adjustment grip 134 can be moved axially and rotationally. When this occurs, the sleeve 136, ring 138, and cam plate 160 are pushed up. The cam tab 170 on the bottom surface of the cam plate 160 is disengaged from the slot 172 of the drive hub body 40. Therefore, the cam plate 160 can be rotated by the grip ring 134. When this occurs, the posts 66, 78 are moved relative to each other as they move within the slots 162, 164 of the cam plate 160. Thus, this adjusts the distance between the axes 27, 63 of the spindles 26, 62 relative to each other. This results in an oscillating rotation of the device.

  The grip 134 is rotated to allow the placement of the eccentric cam plate 160 in the second position. When the grip 134 enters the second indexing position, the push plate 156 and the cam spring 166 push the cam plate 160 down. As the upward force is removed from grip 134, the spring force pushes cam tab 170 back into engagement with another set of slots 170 in drive hub body 40. This provides a different offset distance to the spindle axis 27, 63 because the cam plate 160 can be locked in position with respect to the drive hub 32. By repeating this, the second spindle 62 can be moved to a desired position with respect to the drive spindle 26.

  Axle lock bridge 180 is positioned adjacent drive hub 32. Axle lock bridge 180 includes legs 182 that slide within slots between the legs 44 of the drive hub. Thus, axle lock bridge 180 is positioned between legs 44. A plurality of springs 184 are located in slots 185 on the underside of drive hub body 40 and axle lock bridge 180 to bias axle bridge 180 away from drive hub body 40. Axle lock bridge 180 includes an opening 186 for receiving head 65 of spindle 62. To lock the spindle 62 in a coaxial position with the drive spindle 26 when the spindle 62 of the work mounting assembly is aligned coaxially with the drive spindle 26, the opening 186 of the axle lock bridge is The head 65 of the spindle 62 is received. This results in a true rotation or zero position. The axle lock bridge 180 includes a flange 188 that engages the notch 154 in the ring. Thus, when ring 134 is moved in the direction of housing head 20, axle lock bridge 180 is moved in that direction.

  Activation of the switch 16 causes the spindle 62 of the stroke adjustment device 30 to rotate. The counterweight mechanism 36 counterbalances rotational imbalance due to the spindle 62 being offset from the center axis 27 of the spindle 26. Therefore, the spindle 62 rotates the work with a stroke apart from the central axis 27.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 to 17, a second embodiment is shown. Reference numbers for similar elements have been used and increased by 200.

  A tool having an adjustable stroke device is shown at 200. The tool 200 includes a motor 212, a power supply 214, and a switch 216 for starting and stopping the power supply. The power supply is shown as a cord, but rechargeable batteries can be used.

  The motor includes a pinion 218 located inside the housing head 220. Housing head 220 includes a cavity for receiving power transmission system 222. The power transmission system 222 includes a gear 224 meshing with the pinion 218 and a rotating spindle 226. The stroke adjusting device 230 is rotatably coupled to the spindle 226 and is mounted on the bottom of the head housing 220.

  Head housing 220 includes handle 215. The handle 215 allows a user to utilize the tool for grinding or buffing operations. Head housing 220 includes skirt 310 that houses spindle 226. Skirt 310 includes a cylindrical wall 312. The cylindrical wall 312 includes a plurality of recesses 314 for receiving teeth from the stroke adjusting device 230 described later. The wall 312 includes a groove 316. Groove 316 is not visible when stroke adjustment device 230 is in the proper locked position. The skirt 310 also includes an inner cylindrical wall 318 that houses the spindle 326 and a bearing 320. The cylindrical housing includes a plurality of legs 322 that enhance the fixation of the stroke adjustment device 230.

  The stroke adjusting device 230 includes a drive hub 232, a work mounting assembly 234, a counterweight 236, and a stroke adjusting mechanism 238. Drive hub 232 includes a drive hub body 240 having a shaft 242 and a protruding leg 244. The shaft 242 receives the spindle 226 by the formed hole 243. The hub plate 246 is attached to the legs 244 by threaded fasteners. Drive hub body 240 includes a plurality of slots 248 that couple with counterweight mechanism 236 and workpiece mounting assembly 234, as described below. The legs 244 also define a slot 245 for receiving the bearing carriage assembly 254. Further, the bottom surface of drive hub 240 includes a hole for receiving retaining pivot member 330.

  The pivot member 330 has a generally U-shape and has a polygonal channel 332 for receiving the shaft of the workpiece mounting assembly 234, as described below. Pivot member 330 receives spindle 262 and positions spindle 262 in its rotational position.

  Further, hub plate 246 includes a plurality of slots 250 that couple with counterweight mechanism 236. Hub plate 246 includes an elliptical opening 252 that receives a portion of workpiece mounting assembly 234. Therefore, when the rotation of the spindle 226 is applied to the drive hub 232, the stroke adjusting device 230 is driven.

  The work mounting assembly 234 includes a backing plate 253 and a carriage 254. The backing plate 253 receives a pad in contact with the processing surface. Carriage 254 includes a cylindrical portion 256 for receiving a plurality of bearings 260. Carriage 254 includes a plurality of flanges 258. Flanges 258 position carriage 254 in slots 245 between legs 244 of drive hub body 240. This allows the carriage 259 to slide within the hub body 240.

  A spindle 262 is rotatable within the plurality of bearings 260. The spindle 262 includes a threaded hole 264 for receiving a threaded tip that holds the backing plate 253 to the spindle. Spindle 262 passes through opening 252 in hub plate 246. Carriage 254 includes a post 266 that passes through slot 248 of drive hub body 240. The post 266 is coupled to a stroke adjustment mechanism 238, as described below.

  The counterweight mechanism 236 includes a frame 268 and a counterweight 270. The counterweight 270 has a ring shape and is fixed to the frame 268 by a plurality of fasteners 272. The frame 268 has a U-shape as a whole. Frame 268 includes a plurality of posts 274 that pass through channels 250 in hub plate 246. Accordingly, the counterweight ring 270 is attached to the lower surface of the hub plate 246. The counterweight ring 270 also includes a slot or channel 276 through which the spindle 262 passes. The counterweight frame 268 further includes a post 278. The post 278 passes through the slot 248 of the drive hub body 240.

  The cam plate 360 includes a pair of arcuate slots 362,364. One slot 362 receives the carriage post 266 and the other arced slot 364 receives the counterweight frame post 278. Cam plate 360 includes a plurality of radially projecting teeth 368. These teeth 368 are rectangular and are separated by a rectangular recess 369. The cam plate 360 is rotated by a stroke adjusting mechanism 238, as described later. When this occurs, the posts 278, 266 cause the counterweight mechanism 236 and the work mounting assembly 234 to move laterally relative to each other, changing the distance between the two. Also, the rotational movement of the stroke adjustment mechanism moves the axis 263 of the spindle 262 toward or away from the center axis 227 of the drive spindle 226. Thus, depending on the position of the spindle 262 with respect to the center axis 227, the spindle 266 is positioned in a true rotational position or is offset, causing the orbital movement of the workpiece mounting assembly 234.

  Pusher ring 370 is positioned around hub body 240. Pusher ring 370 includes a plurality of rectangular tops 372 and valleys 374. Top 372 and valley 374 mesh with teeth 368 and recess 369 of cam plate 360. In addition, the pusher plate 370 includes a plurality of blocks 376 that fit into a plurality of gaps between the plurality of legs 244. This allows the pusher ring 370 to move up and down along the plurality of legs 244 of the hub body 240. Also, a spring 378 is positioned within each block 376 to bias the pusher ring 370. These springs fit into holes 380 in block 376. Further, a plurality of posts 382 for fitting the other ends of the springs 378 project from the hub plate 246.

  The stroke adjusting mechanism 238 has a cylindrical shape as a whole. The stroke adjusting mechanism 238 includes a wall 410 having a plurality of steps. A hole 412 extends through wall 410. The hole extends from one end to the other. The wall 410 includes a grip portion 414. The grip portion 414 includes indicia that provide a user with markings to identify a plurality of different rotation and trajectory settings of the stroke adjustment device. That is, the landmark indicates the true rotational position as well as some orbital positions. Grip 414 defines a channel 416. Channel 416 is positioned around the wall. A plurality of teeth 418 that engage recesses 314 of the skirt housing 310 are located in the channels 416. An internal channel 420 for receiving a spindle lock 430 is provided at one end of the wall 410, as described below. This wall also defines a spring seat 422. A plurality of rectangular teeth 424 are provided on the inner surface of wall 410. These teeth 424 mesh with cam 360, as described below.

  A spindle lock 430 is coupled to the stroke adjustment mechanism 238.

  The spindle lock 430 includes a spring seat 432, a shaft lock 434, and a spring 436. Spring seat 432 includes a groove 438 for receiving a portion of spring 436. Spring seat 432 also includes a recess 440 for receiving tab 442 of shaft lock 434. The spring seat includes a plurality of notches 444 for receiving the legs 322 from the housing 310. Shaft lock 434 includes a recess 446 positioned between tabs 442. Shaft lock 434 also includes a wall 448 extending from tab 442. The wall 448 includes a plurality of radially extending rectangular teeth 450. These teeth 450 pass through a plurality of recesses 452 of the stroke adjustment mechanism 238. This allows teeth 450 to engage channel 420 to retain the shaft lock on stroke adjustment mechanism 238. Shaft lock 434 is retained within channel 420, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The spring seat 432 includes a plurality of legs 454 including an outer groove 456. The legs 454 allow the C-clip 458 to lock the spring seat 432 to the legs 322 of the housing 310. Therefore, the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 is urged by the spring 436 and pressed against the housing 310.

  11A and 11B show the stroke adjustment device 230 in the first and second positions. In FIG. 11A, the stroke adjustment mechanism 238 is in the first position, and the teeth 418 are fitted in the recesses 314. The landmarks provide tool settings to the user. To move the stroke adjustment mechanism 238 from one position to another, the grip 414 of the stroke adjustment mechanism is pulled down toward the backing plate 253. When this occurs, the stroke adjustment mechanism 238 moves downward against the force of the spring 436. The shaft lock 434 is pushed down by the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 and contacts the spring seat 432 (FIG. 11B). When this occurs, polygonal opening 470 engages polygonal surface 472 of shaft 242. Thus, the spindle 226 and the drive hub 232 are locked so as not to rotate. However, the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 is rotatable.

  As the stroke adjustment mechanism 238 is moved downward, the teeth 424 push the pusher ring 370 down. When this occurs, teeth 424 engage recesses 369 in cam plate 360. Thus, the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 can be engaged with the cam plate 360. When the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 is rotated by the grip 414, the cam plate 360 is rotated. When this occurs, the work mounting assembly 234 moves via the post 266 relative to the counterweight mechanism 236. As the cam plate 360 is rotated, the posts 266 and 278 are moved laterally with respect to each other within the arcuate slots 362 and 364. Thereby, the distance between the center axis 227 and the spindle axis 263 is adjusted. Thus, this provides the stroke adjustment device 230 with its rotation and trajectory position.

  When the rotation is completed, the user releases the grip 414. Spring 436 urges stroke adjustment mechanism 238 upward in the opposite direction toward skirt housing 310. When this occurs, the teeth 418 will re-engage the recesses 314 and the user will be able to use the device. However, when the stroke adjusting mechanism 238 is rotated, the groove 316 of the skirt housing 310 becomes visible. If the groove 316 is visible to the user after rotation, the user is visually notified that the stroke adjustment mechanism 238 is not in the locked position.

  The foregoing description of these embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are sometimes interchangeable, and are not specifically illustrated or described in one selected embodiment. If not, it can be used. This can be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not deemed to depart from the present disclosure, and any such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (18)

An adjustable stroke mechanism for a random orbital machine,
A housing having a central axis and walls defining a cavity;
At least one counterweight movably disposed at least partially within the cavity;
A mounting assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity, the mounting assembly including a workpiece mounting mechanism;
A stroke adjustment device coupling the at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly, wherein the distance between the at least one counterweight and the mounting assembly can be variably adjusted, and thus the center of the housing. A stroke adjustment device, wherein the stroke adjustment device is capable of moving the at least one counterweight and mounting assembly relative to each other such that a stroke radius of the workpiece mounting mechanism is variably adjusted with respect to an axis;
Adjustable stroke mechanism with.   The stroke adjustment device includes an adjustment ring and a cam mechanism, wherein the adjustment ring surrounds the wall of the housing, the adjustment ring is axially movable along the central axis, and is centered about the central axis. 2. The adjustable stroke mechanism of claim 1, wherein the adjustable stroke mechanism is rotatable.   3. The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the counterweight engages the cam mechanism to move the counterweight in response to movement of a cam.   The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the mounting assembly includes a bearing carriage, the bearing carriage engaging the cam mechanism to move the mounting assembly in response to movement of a cam.   The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece mounting mechanism further comprises a spindle, wherein the spindle extends through a bearing carriage and extends into the counterweight.   The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 5, further comprising at least one bearing surrounding the spindle, wherein the at least one bearing is disposed within an orifice of the bearing carriage.   3. The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a lock mechanism associated with the cam mechanism for locking the work mounting mechanism.   The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the cam mechanism further comprises at least one tab, wherein the tab engages a slot in a hub for locking the stroke adjustment device. A method of adjusting the stroke of a random orbital machine,
Coupling an adjustable stroke mechanism to a random orbital machine, the adjustable stroke mechanism comprising:
A housing having a central axis and walls defining a cavity;
At least one counterweight movably disposed at least partially within the housing;
A backing plate mounting assembly at least partially disposed within the housing, the backing plate mounting assembly including a mechanism for attachment to a workpiece;
A stroke adjustment device coupling the at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly;
Comprising the steps of:
Adjusting the stroke adjustment device;
Moving the counterweight and the mounting assembly relative to each other;
Variably adjusting the distance between the counterweight and the mounting assembly;
Variably adjusting the stroke radius of the mechanism with respect to the central axis of the housing;
A method that includes A rotating tool, wherein the rotating tool comprises:
A housing and a motor, wherein the motor includes a power transmission system; and
An adjustable stroke mechanism coupled to the power transmission system,
A stroke adjustment device having a wall defining a cavity;
At least one counterweight movably disposed at least partially within the cavity;
A mounting assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity, the mounting assembly including a workpiece mounting mechanism;
An adjustable stroke mechanism including
With
The stroke adjustment device couples the at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly and the stroke of the workpiece mounting mechanism so that the distance between the at least one counterweight and the mounting assembly can be variably adjusted. The stroke adjustment device is capable of moving the at least one counterweight and mounting assembly relative to each other such that a radius is variably adjusted with respect to the drive train;
Rotating tool.   The rotary tool according to claim 10, wherein the stroke adjustment device includes a cam for moving the at least one counterweight relative to the mounting assembly.   The rotating tool according to claim 11, wherein a wall of the stroke adjustment device engages the cam for movement. An adjustable stroke mechanism,
A stroke adjustment device having a wall defining a cavity;
At least one counterweight movably disposed at least partially within the cavity;
A mounting assembly at least partially disposed within the cavity, the mounting assembly including a workpiece mounting mechanism;
With
The stroke adjustment device couples the at least one counterweight to the mounting assembly and the stroke of the workpiece mounting mechanism so that the distance between the at least one counterweight and the mounting assembly can be variably adjusted. The stroke adjustment device is capable of moving the at least one counterweight and mounting assembly relative to each other such that a radius is variably adjusted with respect to the drive train;
Adjustable stroke mechanism.   14. The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the stroke adjustment device includes a cam for moving the at least one counterweight relative to the mounting assembly.   15. The adjustable stroke mechanism of claim 14, wherein a wall of the stroke adjustment device engages the cam for movement.   15. The adjustable stroke mechanism of claim 14, wherein the counterweight engages the cam mechanism to move the counterweight in response to movement of a cam.   15. The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 14, wherein the mounting assembly includes a bearing carriage, the bearing carriage engaging the cam mechanism to move the mounting assembly in response to movement of a cam.   15. The adjustable stroke mechanism according to claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism associated with the stroke adjustment device for locking a drive spindle.

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